Inside Hopkins

As we kick off season 4 of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Michael Thomas, Superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools, sits down with Hopkins High School seniors Prathiksha Babu and Tristan Ray-Taylor for a conversation about the student experience. As Dr. Thomas gets to know the Hopkins community, the students share what they… Read more

In this special season finale of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed hosts her final episode with a conversation that looks toward the future. She sits down with four graduating seniors who are all pursuing careers in education, exploring what inspired their paths and the unique skills they bring to the… Read more

What does it look like when language, culture, and community come together in one learning experience? In this episode of Inside Hopkins, we explore the impact of Hopkins Public Schools’ Spanish immersion program, Juntos, and how it fosters bilingualism, belonging, and global understanding for students. Host Dr.… Read more

This episode of Inside Hopkins focuses on what comes next following the successful bond referendum and capital projects levy renewal. Thank you to our voters for your strong support of Hopkins Public Schools! Our guests share how decisions are being made, what changes the community can expect to see, and how these… Read more

In this episode of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed shines a spotlight on the Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF) and the powerful behind-the-scenes role it plays across the district. For over 30 years, HEF has partnered with Hopkins schools and community members to fund programs and experiences that fall… Read more

As the Lunar New Year approaches (it begins February 17 in 2026), the XinXing community comes together through traditions, performances, and shared celebrations that honor Chinese heritage. Dr. Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by teacher Qian Xu and students Addison Brenk and James Zocchi to reflect on how the Lunar New Year… Read more

What does it take to build an award-winning theater program while creating a space where every student feels they belong? In this episode of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by members of the Royal Productions team to talk about what makes the program so special, how students develop as artists and… Read more

When snow, freezing temps, or even summer storms hit Minnesota, one question rises to the top for every family: Is school still on?In this episode of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed and her guests walk us through what really happens during those late night and pre-dawn hours, how communication moves quickly… Read more

The Hopkins High School robotics team, The Technocrats, is fueled by far more than competition. It’s a safe place where students can be themselves and grow as engineers, strategists, communicators, and leaders. In this episode, the team shares what it takes to go from a challenge announcement to getting a working… Read more

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Native peoples. In this episode of Inside Hopkins, Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed sits down with our American Indian Education Program leaders to learn how we support Native students in building cultural pride, identity,… Read more

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, especially in our schools. In this episode, we explore how Hopkins Public Schools protects students, staff, and families in an era where technology touches every aspect of learning. Host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by three members of the… Read more

What does a classroom designed for the future look and feel like? In this first episode of the school year, we explore how Hopkins Public Schools is transforming learning spaces to support safety, inclusivity, and engagement for every student. Host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by three district leaders at the… Read more

As we celebrate the Class of 2025, we’re excited to share the story of Isaac Winkler. Isaac was captain of the lacrosse team and a dedicated member of the hockey team. Beyond sports, he’s made history as the youngest delegate in the entire country to attend the Democratic National Convention. Isaac will be… Read more

As we wrap up this season of Inside Hopkins, we’re celebrating the Class of 2025. In this episode, we’re shining the spotlight on one senior’s story. Mia Osman is a student board representative, part of the Muslim Student Association, Somali Student Association, and National Honors Society. She also co-founded… Read more

What happens when a school district stops asking “Who is gifted?” and starts asking “How can we nurture the gifts in every child?” In this episode of Inside Hopkins, we explore how Hopkins Public Schools is transforming teaching and learning through its innovative, research-driven Schoolwide Talent Development… Read more

In this episode of Inside Hopkins, we journey over 1,800 miles to the heart of Cuba. This spring, students from the Hopkins High School band, choir, and orchestra experienced a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience designed to promote global citizenship through the universal language of music. Superintendent Dr.… Read more

What does a pathway to adulthood look like for young adults with disabilities? In this episode, we talk about Transition Plus—a collaborative program between Hopkins Public Schools and St. Louis Park Public Schools designed to prepare young adults with disabilities for life beyond high school. More than just… Read more

In this episode, host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed and our two guests explore the impact of nature in education. With Minnesota’s students spending more time on screens and less time outdoors, our conversation gets into why outdoor experiences aren’t just refreshing—they’re essential for student health,… Read more

What happens when students take the lead in shaping their school community? In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the Black Student Alliance (BSA) at Hopkins High School—a student-led organization dedicated to empowering Black students, fostering connection, and driving meaningful change. Host Dr. Rhoda… Read more

What if the most important skill we can teach students isn’t what to think, but how to think? In this episode, we explore the dynamic world of the International Baccalaureate (IB) design cycle — a hands-on, inquiry-driven approach that challenges students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and unleash… Read more

Inside Hopkins is back! In the first episode of 2025, we take a deep dive into the heart of the COMPASS program, a district-wide initiative based at Glen Lake Elementary that serves students with disabilities and complex medical needs. Host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed is joined by three incredible guests to explore the… Read more

Project Based Learning (PBL) is learning that you can’t google to get the answers. And its presence in Hopkins classrooms creates powerful learning experiences. From ensuring academic rigor to helping students develop confidence, empathy, and critical thinking, this episode highlights how PBL empowers students to… Read more

Why are most mascots male-presenting? That’s a question that Principal Jim Hebeisen and Hopkins Transition Plus graduate and designer Mia Carter explored and eventually led to the creation of two new mascots, one male-presenting and one female-presenting. Hopkins might now be one of the only districts in the nation… Read more

In this episode, Dr. M-R dives into the important topic of mental health among middle and high school students. Anchored around the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, the conversation features insights from two Hopkins High School students and three educators, exploring the complex relationship young… Read more

What does it take to thrive in college-level coursework while still in high school? In Episode Three of Inside Hopkins, we explore the world of Advanced Placement (AP) courses at Hopkins High School, where nearly half of Hopkins High School students are stepping up to this challenge. Hear from high school staff and… Read more

Have you ever asked for something big—really big? $1 million big? What if the people you asked dared to say yes, even if they were not sure it was possible? And what if it happened? That’s the power of yes, and that’s what we will be talking about in Episode Two of "Inside Hopkins." Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed… Read more

Hopkins Schools was one of the first districts to have student board reps on its school board—and it’s a tradition we continue today. The Hopkins School Board includes three (soon to be four) Hopkins High School students and one VirtualEDU student. Our guests—Mia Osman, Praise Akinyele, and Manuel Wahyu—are… Read more

They started their high school experience in the pandemic and are entering a world that is rapidly changing and sometimes feels more polarized than ever. What does the Class of 2024 think of their high school experience and what the future might hold for them? We sat down with three seniors who talk about everything… Read more

Get ready for our upcoming episode airing on June 6! In this special Graduation Day episode, our host Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Redd will talk to graduating seniors about their Hopkins journeys, favorite memories, and future plans. Don't miss out on this special episode celebrating the milestone of high school graduation… Read more

What’s for lunch? It’s a common question, but the answer really matters. And in Hopkins, what is for lunch (and breakfast) is delicious. All of our kitchens produce meals from scratch, partner with local farms for fresh ingredients, and cook meals that incorporate diverse culinary traditions. In this episode we… Read more

In this episode of Inside Hopkins, we are sitting among greatness. Out of 159 candidates from across Minnesota, these four remarkable educators advanced to the semifinals for the 2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. And just before this episode was recorded, we learned that two of our guests made it to the… Read more

You are bigger than your biggest mistake. How does it make you feel to hear that? It might give you the feeling that you can start over or try again. It might cause you to reflect or feel relieved. Restorative practices in our schools help our students understand each other and where they are coming from. While… Read more

VirtualEDU is the only online school in the state of Minnesota to offer both fully online and blended (in-person + virtual) pathways. School leaders at VirtualEDU have turned the concept of online learning on its head by creating virtual learning environments that are supportive, community-based, and culturally… Read more

The Hopkins Public Schools Legislative Action Coalition (known as LAC) is a grassroots advocacy group of parents, community members, school board members, and high school students. But it’s also more than that. Within the group is a legacy that includes and involves many of the legislators who are currently in… Read more

Okay. That’s not true. But a robot could have. That’s what we are talking about in this episode – the evolution of AI technology and the growing need for expertise in computer science and coding. These skills will be in high demand in the job market and are changing quickly. According to our guests, AI… Read more

In Hopkins, we call ourselves an E-12+ system because we know and believe that early childhood learning is an essential component of the school experience. In this discussion, we explore why those early years are so crucial for child development. According to our guests, it is in early childhood and through preschool… Read more

There is no such thing as a “math brain.” And yet, it’s common for people to say, “I am not a math person.” According to our guests, you ARE a math person. Everyone is. In this episode, we explore people’s unique relationship with math and offer strategies for addressing math phobia. Math is more than… Read more

Hopkins has two language immersion programs - Spanish Immersion and Chinese Immersion. At Eisenhower Elementary, these two pathways operate alongside an English pathway with a robust International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) framework connecting concepts and curriculum. Hopkins’ immersion programs… Read more

This teaser provides a sneak peek into our upcoming podcast episode focusing on our Chinese and Spanish language immersion programs within Hopkins Public Schools. As the holiday season unfolds, we're taking a brief pause to recharge our podcasting spirits. Join us back on January 11 as we venture into the captivating… Read more

In our last episode of 2023, we explore the development of our Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Hopkins High School. The program will be offered in January in a state-of-the-art lab at the high school designed to simulate a hospital setting. The program not only offers real-world experience in the medical… Read more

In this episode, we dive into the immersive outdoor education program at Gatewood Elementary. Discover how this innovative curriculum not only connects children with the environment, but also enhances academic skills, fosters teamwork, and ignites a lifelong love for the outdoors. Guests: Dr. George Nolan, principal,… Read more

In this episode of Inside Hopkins, join our host, Superintendent Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, in a thoughtful conversation with Laura Jensen, the dedicated LGBTQ+ Community Liaison for our school district. Diving into the heart of inclusivity and diversity, this episode sheds light on the experiences, challenges, and… Read more

In this episode, we take you on a fascinating journey through the Science of Reading and the transformative impact of LETRS training at Hopkins Public Schools. Join us as we speak with Hopkins experts and educators who are contributing to a brighter future for scholars through the power of effective literacy… Read more

Many schools across the nation were built in the industrial age to prepare students for factory work. We know this is an outdated model, and redesigning schools is a complex task. What should schools of the future physically look like, and what are the steps we can take to get there? In this episode, we dive into the… Read more

Hopkins High School prioritizes post-secondary success through the Royals College and Career Center (RCCC), funded by the Hopkins Education Foundation and led by Dr. Michelle Kuhl. The RCCC offers integrated programs and personalized support, helping students explore their future paths and navigate systems for… Read more

Freedom School provides research based and multi-cultural curriculum for scholars and their families. Paris Timmons, Executive Director of Freedom School at Hopkins, shares the history, impact, and vision that Freedom School brings to our community. Guest: Paris Timmons, Summer and Extended Learning Coordinator,… Read more

Welcome to Inside Hopkins, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the Hopkins Public School District! Join us as we explore the heart and soul of our community's educational system, uncovering the inspiring stories, innovative programs, and dedicated individuals that make Hopkins a hub of educational… Read more